What is Form N-600?

Form N-600, officially known as the Application for Certificate of Citizenship, is a document issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

This form serves as a way for individuals born outside the United States to prove their U.S. citizenship through their parents’ status as U.S. citizens.

It is particularly important for children who need official recognition of citizenship for purposes like obtaining a U.S. passport, applying for benefits, or establishing proof of eligibility for legal rights in the United States.

The Certificate of Citizenship is not for individuals born on U.S. soil, as those individuals automatically have their U.S. birth certificate as evidence of citizenship.

How is USCIS Form N-600 Different from Form N-400?

While both Form N-600 and Form N-400 relate to U.S. citizenship, they serve distinct purposes:

• Form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship): This form is used to prove U.S. citizenship for individuals who automatically acquired or derived citizenship through a parent’s U.S. citizenship. It applies to children born abroad or children of parents who naturalized after their birth.
  • It does not involve a naturalization process.
  • It is for individuals who are already U.S. citizens and need official documentation of their citizenship status.
• Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization): This form is used to apply for U.S. citizenship through the process of naturalization. It applies to individuals who are lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and meet eligibility requirements for becoming U.S. citizens.
  • It involves taking an oath of allegiance, attending an interview, and passing a citizenship test.
  • Applicants must meet residency, language, and good moral character requirements.

In summary, Form N-600 is about proving citizenship that already exists, while Form N-400 is about gaining citizenship through naturalization.

Who Should File Form USCIS Form N-600?

Form N-600 is designed for individuals who meet specific requirements regarding their birth circumstances and their parents’ citizenship.

Eligible applicants include:

• Acquired Citizenship: Individuals born outside the United States to at least one U.S. citizen parent at the time of their birth.
• Derivative Citizenship: Children of parents who became U.S. citizens after the child’s birth. This typically applies to children who were permanent residents (green card holders) before their parents became naturalized citizens.

Eligibility Conditions:

1. The applicant must be under 18 years of age.
2. The child must reside in the United States under the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent.
3. If the applicant is adopted, specific adoption-related requirements must be met, including legal custody and finalization of the adoption.

Who is NOT Eligible:

You cannot file Form N-600 if:

• You were born in the United States (your birth certificate is sufficient proof of citizenship).
• You became a U.S. citizen through naturalization (you would already have a Certificate of Naturalization).
• You live outside the United States. Instead, you should apply for a U.S. passport through the U.S. State Department.

Form N-600 Filing Costs and Processing Times

The filing fee for Form N-600 is $1,385.

There are exceptions for members or veterans of the U.S. armed forces, who are eligible for a fee waiver.

However, children of U.S. military members or adopted children are not eligible for this waiver.

The processing time varies depending on the USCIS service center handling the application. On average, the timeline ranges from 4 to 22 months.

Documents Required to File Form N-600

When applying for a Certificate of Citizenship, it is essential to submit accurate and complete documentation to avoid delays.

Required documents include:

1. The applicant’s birth certificate (or equivalent proof of birth).
2. Proof of the parent’s U.S. citizenship, such as a U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or birth certificate.
3. Two passport-style photos (2×2 inches).
4. The parent’s birth certificate or naturalization document.

Additional Documents (If Applicable):

• Marriage certificate of the U.S. citizen parent.
• Proof of the termination of any prior marriages (e.g., divorce decrees).
• Evidence of legitimation for children born out of wedlock.
• Adoption decrees for adopted children.
• Proof of physical or legal custody (in cases of divorce or separation).
• Permanent Resident Card (green card) for applicants who derived citizenship.
• Documentation of any legal name changes.

How to File Form N-600

USCIS offers two methods for submitting Form N-600: online and by mail.

Filing Online:

1. Create a USCIS online account on the official website.
2. Complete the Form N-600 digitally and upload all supporting documents.
3. Pay the required filing fee online.
4. Submit your application and track its status using the USCIS portal.

Filing by Mail:

1. Download and print the latest version of Form N-600 from the USCIS website.
2. Fill out the form accurately, ensuring you sign it where required.
3. Attach all necessary supporting documents and passport-style photos.
4. Mail the application to the correct USCIS filing address listed on their official website. Be sure to use a traceable mailing service.

Tracking Your Form N-600

After USCIS receives your application, you will be assigned a 13-character receipt number.

This number allows you to track your application’s progress through the USCIS Case Status Online tool.

Interview Requirement

USCIS may require some applicants to attend an in-person interview to verify the details in their application.

If an interview is deemed necessary, you will receive a formal notice with the time, date, and location.

Why is Form N-600 Important?

The Certificate of Citizenship serves as undeniable proof of your U.S. citizenship. It is invaluable for:

• Applying for a U.S. passport.
• Accessing government benefits.
• Demonstrating eligibility for employment or education opportunities.
• Sponsoring family members for immigration purposes.

For individuals born abroad to U.S. citizen parents, this certificate helps solidify their legal status and ensure access to all rights granted to U.S. citizens.

Conclusion

Form N-600 is a crucial step for individuals who need to establish proof of their U.S. citizenship through their parent(s).

Understanding the eligibility requirements, gathering the proper documents, and following USCIS’s filing instructions can make the process more manageable.

Once approved, your Certificate of Citizenship serves as a lifelong document affirming your rights and status as a U.S. citizen.